Angkor Wat - A Universe in Stone

Publish Date: 12th September 2019

Not far from Siem Reap, Cambodia’s capital, there mains of the ancient city of Angkor rise from atangle of jungle. Once the capital of the Khmer Empire, Angkor was the world’s largest city in medieval times and the product of an extraordinary civilization. Today, because of its unique featuresand stunning architecture, it has been designated aUNESCO World Heritage Site.

Dominating the site is the spectacular temple ofAngkor Wat, with its five towers and enclosure walls.Built in the 12th century and covering an area ofabout 200 hectares, Angkor Wat is one of the largest religious monuments ever constructed. Experts tell us that the temple represents the Hindu universe in miniature. The great central tower is Mt.Meru, abode of the gods, surrounded by lesser peaks (the smaller towers), and bounded by the continents (the courtyards), and the oceans (the moat).

Construction of Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat was constructed by a Khmer king called Suryavarman II, who was a devotee of the Hindu godVishnu. Although the full purpose of the structure hasbeen debated for many years, some scholars think itwas intended to double as a temple to Vishnu and amausoleum for Suryavarman. Angkor Wat is constructed from sand stone cutfrom the Kulen hills, nearly 50 km away, which was floated down the Siem Reap River on rafts, a massive undertaking. Inscriptions tell us that, even before completion, the enterprise had involved 300,000workers and 6,000 elephants.

What to see at Angkor Wat

With all its chambers, courtyards, corridors, galleries,porches and towers, Angkor Wat needs a day to explore properly. After taking in the grandeur of the site, you will be charmed by the exquisite decorative detail including thousands of heavenly nymphsapsaras carved into the walls. One of the most famous bas reliefs, in the southeast part of the temple, is the“Churning of the Ocean of Milk”, which depicts part of the Hindu creation story. In the relief, you can see the devas (gods) and the asuras (demons) churning upthe sea to obtain the elixir of immortality.

What else to see

Angkor Wat is only one of around 1,000 temples atthe Angkor complex. While the others may not be aswell preserved, they each have their own charm. Whilesome are romantic ruins, others are architectural marvels. Famous ones include: Ta Prohm, featuredin the film ‘Tomb Raider’; East Mebon, dedicated to Shiva; Ta Som, a small monument being dramatically devoured by jungle; Preah Khan with its splendidstatues; and Bayon with its giant faces.

Tips

Best months: November to FebruaryBest time of day: Sunrise or lunchtime to avoid crowdsBring:Plenty of water and possibly an umbrellaTime to allow: Anything from three hours to three daysWhere to stay: Siem ReapWhat to wear: Cover your shoulders and wear long trousers